There are some fundamental problems that I just don’t like about the U.K, that I think should be changed. Most of this rant i’m just going to talk about my part of the U.K (since it would make sense) rather than talk generically.
Equal Sum of Parts
I’m totally all for complete devolution, Wales should get a parliament akin to Scotland. I can’t abide hypocrisy pertaining to the whole “Wales is a principality”, since Wales was de-annexed from England in 1955.. Further, both the English and Welsh populace by majority have never deemed Wales a principality rather, we both regard Wales as a country, having it’s own language customs and traditions different than our neighbouring England. So what exactly does this mean? Does this infact mean that the centralist’s are going against what the vast majority of people believe, and instead wish to decide what should be regarded as a principality and what shouldn’t?
Additionally, Northern Ireland should be given back to the Irish, the days of claiming lands as yours are over. This is the 21st century after all.
Welsh Language
“and also from henceforth no person or persons that use Welsh speech or language shall have or enjoy and manner office or fees within this realm of England, Wales or other king’s Dominions upon pain of forfeiting the same offices or fees, unless he or they use and exercise the English speech or tongue.” -Act Of Union 1536
Thankfully this has not happened and Welsh language is on the increase, in my part of Wales (Gwent) the number of Welsh speakers has increased from a mere 1% to 10% over the course of ten years. It’s getting better in some areas and worse in others, but there does appear to be a general consensus that it’s back on the increase. Which cannot be said for Scottish Alba or Irish Gaelic sadly.
Incredibly, the very fact that the Welsh are much quieter than our Celtic cousins, may have infact helped secure our traditions and culture more so than Scotland or Ireland. Case-point: The National Eisteddfod. One of Europe’s oldest and largest cultural events.
Welsh History
A particular point of importance to me, and one that derives most of my frustration. Is that next to no Welsh children are educated Welsh history in schools. Doesn’t anyone see a major problem there? We have an incredibly rich and ancient history, which just isn’t taught in our schools because the curriculum across the UK is devoted and based on English history. Sure knowing about the “Great fire of London” and the “Battle of 1066” is important but, I believe knowing your own roots is much more important in the long run. What I would propose is a region specific history teaching policy, where the curriculum is flexible and location specific, where you would learn about your hometown in your early years of school, and gradually as you get older you learn more and more about the U.K. Or where you would learn about your part of the U.K and then when you have “options” in high school, you can then choose to take classes on more broader historical events. It ROYALLY pisses me off when someone (around here) asks: “Who is Owain Glyndŵr?” or “There were Welsh Rebellions?” or “We had an alliance with France?” This is OUR history, and there should bloody well be efforts made to preserve it and pass it onto our children.
/\\/ Owain Glyndŵr
Prince of Wales, my arse!
Prince Charles, prince of Wales? My F*ing arse, Is he Welsh? No. Is he descendant from the Welsh princes of the North? No. So what exactly is your claim to the Welsh Charles? Sweet FA thats what. How in the hell can a “Prince” be given to another country, and then proclaimed as being somehow your head of state? It’s a goddamn travesty. No-one here asked for him to be our prince, and it’ll be a cold day in hell before I recognise him as the Welsh Prince. had the English government not consistently butchered our Welsh Kings and princes, not to mention locking our last princess in a covenant for 53 years (she was one year old at the time she was taken), maybe we would have had OUR OWN prince or princess, instead of having one imposed on us.
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